MATHEMATICS

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Three (3) credits in mathematics are required for graduation. In addition, effective with students entering the ninth (9th) grade in the fall of 2001, a score at the proficient level on the Algebra 1 Gateway test is required of any student receiving a regular high school diploma.

Standard and Honors Geometry and Algebra 2 classes are available. Honors courses provide the advanced students with a more challenging experience, and students should understand that extra requirements are involved.

GATEWAY ALGEBRA 1 (3180) 1 credit

An intervention option which will enhance the opportunity for success on the Gateway Algebra 1 test.

Elective credit only; will not substitute for required math credit.

Focuses on those areas necessary for success on the Gateway Algebra 1 test, including number sense and number theory; estimation, measurement, and computation; patterns, functions, and algebraic thinking; statistics and probability; and spatial sense and geometric concepts.

ALGEBRA 1A (term 1)/1B (term 2) (3102A/3102B)

2 credits as described below

Prerequisite for Algebra IB: Passing grade in Algebra IA

A course that uses problem situations, physical models, and appropriate technology to extend algebraic thinking and engage student reasoning, and includes the study of the concepts of functions, solving equations, slope as rates of change, and proportionality. Students will use physical models to represent, explore, and develop abstract concepts. The use of appropriate technology will help students apply mathematics in an increasingly technological world. Graphing calculators recommended.

NOTE: One (1) math credit in Foundations 2 will be awarded for Algebra 1A (term 1); one (1) Algebra 1 credit will be awarded for Algebra 1B (term 2).

Students who are unsuccessful in Algebra 1A may be placed in Gateway Algebra 1 prior to repeating Algebra 1A.

ALGEBRA 1 (3102) 1 credit (1 term only)

Prerequisite: A minimum stanine score of five (5) on the Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test AND a 90 average in eighth grade math or an 85 average in eighth grade Algebra OR a minimum stanine score of seven (7) on the Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test..

A course that uses problem situations, physical models, and appropriate technology to extend algebraic thinking and engage student reasoning, and includes the study of the concepts of functions, solving equations, slope as rates of change, and proportionality. Students will use physical models to represent, explore, and develop abstract concepts. The use of appropriate technology will help students apply mathematics in an increasingly technological world. Covers the topics of Algebra 1A/1B at a faster pace and in a more in-depth fashion, with an emphasis on word problems and mastery at solving equations and graphing functions. Graphing calculators recommended.

GEOMETRY (3108) 1 credit

Prerequisite: A credit in high school Algebra 1 AND a score at the proficient level or above on the Algebra 1 Gateway Test.

Introduction to concepts of planes and spatial geometry and measurements, angle relationships, points, lines, circles and solids, writing formal proofs and constructing geometric figures, emphasizing inductive and deductive reasoning, and clarity and precision of language.

HONORS GEOMETRY (3108H) 1 credit

Prerequisite: 90 average in high school Algebra I, OR three of the following: An A average in eighth grade Algebra, a minimum stanine of eight (8) on the Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test, a score at the advanced level or above on the Algebra 1 Gateway Test, teacher recommendation..

Covers the topics of regular geometry at a greater level of mastery. Additional topics include coordinate geometry, transformations, and greater use of algebra skills.

INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA (3199) 1 credit

Elective credit only; will not substitute for required math credit

Prerequisites: Algebra 1 or Honors Algebra 1 and Geometry

Focuses on those areas necessary for success in Algebra 2, including the study of the real number system through symbols (equations, exponents, factors, coefficients, polynomials, graphing, irrational numbers, radicals, and inequalities) and an introduction to such selected Algebra 2 topics as functions and graphing. Graphing calculators recommended.

NOTE: Required for students scoring below 64 on an Algebra 2 placement test.

ALGEBRA 2 (3103) 1 credit

Prerequisites: Honors Algebra 1, Algebra 1, or Math for Technology 2; Geometry; and a score of 64 or above on an Algebra 2 placement test OR a credit in Intermediate Algebra.

A study of the complex number system and its properties, factorization, simplification of radicals and polynomials, linear and quadratic functions, graphs and equations, matrices, determinants, rational expressions, probability, and statistics. Graphing calculators recommended.

HONORS ALGEBRA 2 (3103H) 1 credit

Prerequisites: 85 average in Algebra 1 or an 80 in Honors Algebra 1 AND 85 average in Geometry or an 80 in Honors Geometry

Includes all the topics in a regular Algebra 2 class in greater detail, with more emphasis on applications. Additional topics include linear programming, summation, and logarithms. Graphing calculators recommended.

TRIGONOMETRY (3124T) 1 credit

Prerequisites: Credits in Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2

Recommendation: Knowledge of graphing calculators

A study of trigonometry, with an emphasis on circular functions and graphing trigonometric functions. Graphing calculators required.

PRE-CALCULUS (3126) 1 credit

Prerequisites: Algebra 2, Geometry, and Trigonometry

Recommendation: Knowledge of graphing calculators

Bridges the mathematical gap between Algebra and Calculus. Includes topics common to college algebra, such as functions and their graphs, parametric equations, vectors, linear algebra, and conics. Graphing calculators required.

STATISTICS (3136) 1 credit

Prerequisites: Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2

A non-calculus based course, focusing on statistical representation and analysis. Designed for students planning to attend post-secondary training, including, but not limited to, college.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS (3127) 2 credits (full year)

Prerequisites: Trigonometry and Pre-Calculus AND one (1) of the following criteria: an ACT composite score of 22 or higher; PSAT or SAT numerical score at the 50th percentile or higher; recommendations from two (2) previous math teachers; 85 average in Pre-Calculus and Trigonometry

Course includes limits, differentiation, and integration (with applications, logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric functions, techniques of integration). Examples emphasize the unlimited applications of calculus in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, and economics. Students will take the national Advanced Placement examination in the spring. Those scoring high enough may receive college credit. Graphing calculators required.